Two-Dimensional Customizable Form for Creating a Customized Three-Dimensional Decorative Object

ABSTRACT

Printable and imprintable forms and methods for assembling a three-dimensional decorative object therefrom are described. The form can include one or more customizable spaces onto a user may imprint a customization using a printing device. The form is formed from a sheet of material that includes an ornament portion having a plurality of foldable portions. Once detached from the sheet, the foldable portions are foldable for assembly of the three-dimensional decorative object. The sheet can further include a detachable loop strip, which can be folded to form a circular loop that is attachable to a top portion of the three-dimensional decorative object to permit hanging, for example, as an ornament. The sheet can further include a scrip portion that can be imprinted with personal information, detached, and inserted into and stored within an interior space formed inside the three-dimensional decorative object.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a printable form. More particularly, the invention relates to a printable and imprintable two-dimensional form that can be folded to create a three-dimensional object such as, for example, an ornament.

BACKGROUND

Forms featuring detachable and foldable components such as labels or business cards are available for purchase by consumers. Likewise, art kits that include pre-printed scenes, paint, paint brushes, and instructions, such as paint-by-number kits, are available for purchase by consumers. Printing and imprinting on the customizable spaces of conventional printable forms may be accomplished using a home or office desktop printer. Printable and imprintable forms have not previously been designed to create three-dimensional objects such as, for example, ornaments that involve the user and that permit the user to make customizations simultaneously with the creation of the three-dimensional object.

Ornaments include articles that embellish or adorn another object such as a Christmas tree or a desktop. A need exists for printable and imprintable two-dimensional forms to which customizations may be added using a printing device, which forms, after printing or imprinting customizations thereupon, can be folded to create a three-dimensional object.

SUMMARY

A form, e.g., a two-dimensional paper form, is provided that includes one sheet or a plurality of sheets of material that may be printed or imprinted upon using a printing device. Each sheet can include one or more detachable components. After printing or imprinting, the detachable components may be separated and removed from the form so that the form may be folded and assembled into a three-dimensional object such as, for example, an ornament.

The form can be manufactured from paper, paperboard, metallic foil, semi-metallic foil, plastic, or any other suitable material that is flexible enough for feeding through a printing device and that has surfaces capable of being printed upon by the printing device. Each sheet of the form can include a frame formed from the paper or other material of the sheet. The frame can be formed around the side edges of each detachable component, or the sheet may be constructed so that the frame is formed only around the outside edges of each sheet. The detachable components can be sized, shaped, and arranged on the sheet so as to maximize the usage of paper included in each sheet and to reduce waste by ensuring that the frame forms only a minimally necessary portion of the sheet. Each sheet may also include no frame at all but only detachable components connected to one another.

The detachable components may be torn, punched out, or otherwise detached from the sheet along lines of separation. The lines of separation can be perforations that assist a user in cleanly removing each detachable component from the sheet without creating rips in the detachable component or leaving hanging paper fragments that result when two detachable components are separated along a line of separation (e.g., a fold line) that does not include perforations. Microperforations can also be used to provide the cleanest separation so that the edges of the separated detachable components appear smooth.

In one embodiment, the form can be a printable form and can include pre-printed graphics and text. In another embodiment, the form may be supplied to the user totally blank. Software that can be installed on the user's computer or accessed remotely on a website via the Internet can be used to customize and print or imprint customizations on the printable form. The form can include blank customizable spaces on which the user may print, draw, or emboss images or text or affix labels or stamps thereon.

The form can include a plurality of fold lines, perforations, or cuts that permit the sheet or sheets of the form to be folded and assembled into a predetermined object such as, for example, into the shape of a toy car or a Christmas tree ornament. In this way, a user can print or imprint colors, photographs, or other images on the sheet to customize the appearance of the object before the sheet is folded and assembled to create the three-dimensional object.

The terms “print” and “printable” as used herein relate to printing on one of the multi-purpose forms during the manufacturing of the form, or printing on a surface of the form in a first instance by a manufacturer. The terms “imprint” and “imprintable” as used herein refer to printing on one of the forms by a user subsequent to manufacturing. Imprinting can be accomplished manually using a pen, pencil, or other handheld writing instrument, or mechanically using a printer or printing device. For example, the user may imprint customizations onto a blank form in the first instance where the manufacturer has not printed any information on the form during manufacturing, or the user may imprint customizations in a second, third, fourth or other instance onto a form that includes information printed thereon by the manufacturer during manufacturing. By way of further example, a form that includes information printed thereon by the manufacturer during manufacturing is printed in the first instance, customizations subsequently printed onto the form by a user are imprinted in the second instance, and additional information thereafter printed onto the same form by the same user or by another user is imprinted in the third instance.

One advantage of the form is that users may create ornaments and other three-dimensional objects easily and quickly using a home or office desktop printer without the need for any specialized knowledge or skills.

Another advantage of the form is that users may create Christmas ornaments or other objects or model shapes that imitate other real objects, e.g., an automobile, that include customizations selected by the user.

Another advantage of the form is that users are encouraged to make further use of their printing devices, and of desktop printers in particular, in new and unique ways to create ornamental or decorative craft objects.

Accordingly, the invention features a form for assembling into a three-dimensional decorative object. The form can include a two-dimensional sheet of material having assembly guides printed thereon. The sheet can feature an ornament portion having at least six foldable portions. The ornament portion can include at least one customizable space. The ornament portion is foldable into a three-dimensional decorative object.

In another aspect, the invention can feature each of the foldable portions being connected to at least one other foldable portion at a fold line.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the ornament portion being detachable from the sheet at a plurality of lines of separation.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the at least six foldable portions including a top portion, a bottom portion, a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a third wall portion, and a fourth wall portion. The top portion can include a first edge that is connected to a first edge of the first wall portion at a first fold line. The first wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the second wall portion at a second fold line. The second wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the third wall portion at a third fold line. The third wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the fourth wall portion at a fourth fold line. The fourth wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the bottom portion at a fifth fold line.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the top portion including a second edge to which a first attachment flap is connected. The first wall portion can include a third edge to which a second attachment flap is connected. The second wall portion can include a third edge to which a third attachment flap is connected. The fourth wall portion can include a third edge to which a fourth attachment flap is connected.

In another aspect, the invention can feature each foldable portion being folded approximately at a right angle in relation to the foldable portion connected adjacent thereto at a fold line, thereby forming the three-dimensional decorative object.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the first, second, third, and fourth attachment flaps including adhesive sections that secure each attachment flap to the respective foldable portion which it contacts when the foldable portions are folded to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the three-dimensional decorative object having an interior space that is defined by the assembled foldable portions.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the second, third, and fourth attachment flaps including adhesive sections that secure the attachment flaps to the respective foldable portion each contacts when the foldable portions are folded to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object. The top portion and first attachment flap can include a lid for closing an interior space defined by the bottom portion, first wall portion, second wall portion, third wall portion, and fourth wall portion.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the form further including a scrip portion that is sized and shaped to be inserted into and retained within the interior space when the three-dimensional decorative object is oriented in a closed configuration.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the scrip being a gift card.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the sheet further including a loop strip that is detachable from the sheet. The loop strip can include a first end and a second end, and can be flexibly bendable to form a generally circular loop.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the first end of the loop strip including a first die cut on a first longitudinal edge of the loop strip. The second end of the loop strip can include a second die cut on a second longitudinal edge of the loop strip. The first end and second end of the loop strip can be connected together to create the circular loop by inserting the first end into the second die cut and inserting the second end into the first die cut.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the circular loop being connectable to an outer surface of the top portion.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the form being foldable to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object in the shape of a parallelepiped.

In another aspect, the invention can feature the form being printable and imprintable by a printing device or manual writing tool.

In another aspect, the invention can feature at least one customization being imprintable by a user in the at least one customizable space.

A method of the invention can be used to create a three-dimensional decorative object from a two-dimensional form. The three-dimensional decorative object can be used for receiving and storing a gift item. In a first step of the method, a two-dimensional form can be provided, which can feature a sheet having at least one customizable space and at least six foldable portions. The six foldable portions can include a top portion, a bottom portion, a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a third wall portion, and a fourth wall portion. The top portion can include a first edge that is connected to a first edge of the first wall portion at a first fold line. The first wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the second wall portion at a second fold line. The second wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the third wall portion at a third fold line. The third wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the fourth wall portion at a fourth fold line. The fourth wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the bottom portion at a fifth fold line, and wherein the top portion comprises a lid. A second step of the method can feature imprinting at least one customization onto the at least one customizable space using a printing device or manual writing utensil. A third step of the method can feature folding the foldable portions at their respective fold lines to assemble a three-dimensional decorative object that includes a concealed interior space.

Another method of the invention can include the step of providing the two-dimensional form further including a loop strip that is detachable from the sheet. The loop strip can include a first end and a second end, and the loop strip can be flexibly bendable to form a generally circular loop.

Another method of the invention can include the step of connecting the circular loop to an outer surface of the top portion to permit the ornament to be hung and suspended from a tree or other object.

Another method of the invention can include the step of providing the two-dimensional form further including a scrip portion.

Another method of the invention can include the step of imprinting personal information onto the scrip portion.

Another method of the invention can include the step of detaching the scrip portion from the sheet to create a scrip.

Another method of the invention can include the step of inserting the scrip into the interior space for concealment and storage.

A method of the invention can also be used for printing onto an oversized sheet of material. In a first step, an oversized sheet of material can be folded in a first direction at a centerline to create a first folded portion and a second folded portion, wherein the first folded portion and second folded portion of the first side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face away from one another exteriorly. The oversized sheet of material can have dimensions that exceed dimensions of a desktop printer's paper intake slot in width. In a second step, the first folded portion of the first side can be placed in contact with the second folded portion of the first side by pressing the at least first corner onto a first opposing corner of the first side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the first direction. In a third step, the folded oversized sheet of material can be placed into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer. In a fourth step, the desktop printer can be used to print onto at least the first folded portion of the second side of the folded oversized sheet of material.

Another method of the invention can include the step of folding the oversized sheet of material in a second direction at the centerline so that the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the face side face away from one another exteriorly. Then, the first folded portion of the second side can be placed in contact with the second folded portion of the second side by pressing the at least first corner of the second side onto a first opposing corner of the second side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the second direction. Next, the folded oversized sheet of material can be placed into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer. Finally, the desktop printer can be used to print onto at least a first folded portion of the first side of the folded oversized sheet of material.

Another method of the invention can include the step of printing both the first folded portion and second folded portion of the first side.

Another method of the invention can include the step of printing both the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side.

Another method of the invention can feature the oversized sheet of material being sized 11 inches by 17 inches. When folded for printing, the oversized sheet of material can be 8.5 inches by 11 inches in its folded configuration so as to be capable of passing into the paper intake slot and through the desktop printer for printing.

Another method of the invention can feature the centerline including at least one line selected from the group consisting of: a printed line, a score line, and a line of perforations, wherein the centerline is created on at least one of the first side or the second of the oversized sheet of material.

Another method of the invention can feature the oversized sheet of material being folded at the centerline to permit proper alignment and registering of the form by software for printing oversized forms accessible on a computer to which the desktop printer is communicatively connected.

Another method of the invention can include, before placing the oversized sheet of material into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer, the step of adding an adhesive to the at least first corner of the first side of the oversized sheet of material. Next, the first folded portion of the first side can be connected to the second folded portion of the first side by pressing the adhesive on the at least first corner onto a first opposing corner of the first side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the first direction.

Another method of the invention can include, after printing onto at least the first folded portion of the second side of the folded oversized sheet of material using the desktop printer, the step of removing the adhesive from the at least first corner of the first side after printing of the at least first folded portion of the second side is complete. Next, the adhesive can be attached to at least a first corner of the second side of the oversized sheet of material. Then, the oversized sheet of material can be folded in a second direction at a centerline to create a first folded portion and a second folded portion, wherein the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the face side face away from one another exteriorly. Next, the first folded portion of the second side can be connected to the second folded portion of the second side by pressing the adhesive on the at least first corner of the second side onto a first opposing corner of the second side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the second direction. The folded oversized sheet of material can then be placed into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer, which is used to print onto at least a first folded portion of the first side of the folded oversized sheet of material.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the form of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the form of FIG. 1 detached from a frame of the form in a first step to create a three-dimensional decorative object.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the form of FIG. 1 being assembled in a second step to create a three-dimensional decorative object.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the form of FIG. 1 being assembled in a third step to create a three-dimensional decorative object with the top side being shown oriented downward.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the form of FIG. 1 being assembled in a fourth step to create a three-dimensional decorative object with the top side being shown oriented downward.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the form of FIG. 1 assembled into a three-dimensional ornament.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a scrip of the form of FIG. 1 inserted into a card holder that is also a detachable component of the form of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the three-dimensional decorative object with a detachable loop strip attached to an interior surface of a lid of the three-dimensional decorative object.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the three-dimensional decorative object with an attached circular loop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention provides forms and methods for creating three-dimensional decorative objects such as, for example, ornaments (e.g., Christmas ornaments) and other three-dimensional objects that model the appearance of actual objects (e.g., a three-dimensional toy car that mimics the appearance of a real automobile) from one or more two-dimensional forms. Printable and imprintable forms and methods for assembling a three-dimensional ornament therefrom are described. The form can include one or more customizable spaces onto a user may imprint a customization using a printing device. The form can be printable and imprintable by a printing device or a manual writing tool. The form is formed from a sheet of material that includes an ornament portion having a plurality of foldable portions. Once detached from the sheet, the foldable portions are foldable for assembly of a three-dimensional ornament. The sheet can further include a detachable loop strip, which can be folded to form a circular loop that is attachable to a top portion of the three-dimensional ornament to permit hanging of the ornament. The sheet can further include a scrip portion that can be imprinted with personal information, detached, and inserted into and stored within an interior space formed inside the three-dimensional ornament. The sheets of material and detachable components of the form can be constructed with variable layers and plies. Each of the detachable components can be used alone or in combination with the other detachable components of the ornament and when assembled the ornament creates a three-dimensional solid geometric shape, for example, a cube.

For purposes of convenience and not by way of limitation, the three-dimensional decorative object may alternately be referred to hereinafter as an ornament with the understanding that such terminology is not intended to imply or introduce any limitation that requires the three-dimensional decorative object to be attached to or suspended from a Christmas tree.

As described above, the two-dimensional form can be folded and assembled into a three-dimensional decorative object. The form can include a two-dimensional sheet of material having assembly guides printed thereon. The assembly guides can be word or symbol instructions that instruct and guide the user in assembling the three-dimensional decorative object using the two-dimensional form. Each sheet can include a frame formed from the paper or other material of the sheet. The frame can be formed around the side edges of each detachable component, or the sheet may be constructed so that the frame is formed only around the outside edges of each sheet. Each sheet may also include no frame at all but only detachable components connected to one another, or in another embodiment where the ornament personalization elements are printable and imprintable on a plurality of sheets, some plies may include a frame while other plies do not. The variable elements can be sized, shaped, and arranged on the sheet so as to maximize the usage of paper included in each sheet and to reduce waste by ensuring that the frame forms only a minimally necessary portion of the sheet.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, the sheet can feature an ornament portion having at least six foldable portions. The ornament portion can include at least one customizable space. As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the ornament portion is foldable into a three-dimensional decorative object.

Each of the foldable portions can be connected to at least one other foldable portion at a fold line. The ornament portion can be detachable from the sheet at a plurality of lines of separation. The at least six foldable portions of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment can include a top portion, a bottom portion, a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a third wall portion, and a fourth wall portion. The top portion can include a first edge that is connected to a first edge of the first wall portion at a first fold line. The first wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the second wall portion at a second fold line. The second wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the third wall portion at a third fold line. The third wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the fourth wall portion at a fourth fold line. The fourth wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the bottom portion at a fifth fold line.

The top portion can feature a second edge to which a first attachment flap is connected. The first wall portion can include a third edge to which a second attachment flap is connected. The second wall portion can include a third edge to which a third attachment flap is connected. The fourth wall portion can include a third edge to which a fourth attachment flap is connected. Each foldable portion can be folded approximately at a right angle in relation to the foldable portion connected adjacent thereto at a fold line, thereby forming the three-dimensional decorative object. The first, second, third, and fourth attachment flaps can include adhesive sections that secure each attachment flap to the respective foldable portion which it contacts when the foldable portions are folded to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object. The three-dimensional decorative object can feature an interior space that is defined by the assembled foldable portions.

The second, third, and fourth attachment flaps can feature adhesive sections that secure the attachment flaps to the respective foldable portion each contacts when the foldable portions are folded to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object. The top portion and first attachment flap can include a lid for closing an interior space defined by the bottom portion, first wall portion, second wall portion, third wall portion, and fourth wall portion.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, the form may further include a scrip portion that is sized and shaped to be inserted into and retained within the interior space when the three-dimensional decorative object is oriented in a closed configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the scrip is a gift card. In other embodiments, the scrip can be a gift certificate or a coupon. The scrip can be any non-monetary certificate that is redeemable for currency, goods, or services of value. Currency can include official currency (e.g., the United States dollar) or loyalty or rewards points accumulated by a user through use of a website or other shopping service. Before detachment from the sheet, the scrip can be two-dimensional or flat. When detached from the sheet, in one embodiment, the scrip can be two-dimensional or flat, and does not require folding or other assembly. In another embodiment, when detached from the sheet, the scrip can include two leafs, each leaf having a free end, that can be folded to attach the leafs together at their respective free ends. The scrip can feature one or more identifiers on which or by which data related to the user (i.e., a giftor), a recipient or giftee, a retailer, a manufacturer, a card issuer, a bank, funds loaded on the card or contributed to a card account associated with that particular card, and goods or services selected as a gift may be encoded. Suitable identifiers include magnetic stripes, embedded microchips, bar codes, quick response (QR) codes, gift card numbers, alphanumeric numbers, and hexadecimal numbers. Retailers, manufacturer, banks, card issuers, and card processors can use the information encoded on or by the identifier to authorize and reconcile the purchase made using the scrip. Information encoded on or by the scrip may also be used by the retailer, manufacturer, bank, card issuer, and card processor to track the shopping habits and preferences of consumers, and particularly, where the scrip is used by the giftor and giftee in conjunction with an online shopping website that can be part of this invention.

In one embodiment, the scrip can include adhesive on at least one surface for use in attaching the scrip to another of the detachable components, e.g., to a gift card holder as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 8, an envelope, or a correspondence piece. The adhesive can be remoistenable glue, pressure-sensitive glue, or any other adhesive that is suitable for attaching the scrip to one of the other detachable components. In another embodiment, the scrip can be secured to one of the detachable components by inserting two or more of its corners into slots or holes cut into the detachable component. For example, in embodiments where the sheet includes a gift card holder, the gift card holder can include four slots cut into an inner surface thereof and positioned so as to receive each of the four corners of the scrip where the scrip is a gift card.

The sheet of the form can optionally include a loop strip that is detachable from the sheet. The loop strip can include a first end and a second end, and can be flexibly bendable to form a generally circular loop as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The first end of the loop strip can feature a first die cut on a first longitudinal edge of the loop strip. The second end of the loop strip can include a second die cut on a second longitudinal edge of the loop strip. The first end and second end of the loop strip can be connected together to create the circular loop by inserting the first end into the second die cut and inserting the second end into the first die cut. The circular loop can be connectable to an outer surface of the top portion.

In one embodiment, the form can be folded to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object in the shape of a parallelepiped. In other embodiments, the form can include foldable portions shaped and sized to permit the folding and assembly of a three-dimensional decorative object in the shape of virtually any physical object that can be modeled in paper.

For purposes of convenience and not by way of limitation, paper shall be referenced as the material from which the form is constructed; however, the sheet or sheets of the form can be manufactured from any material that can be fed through a printing device and which has a surface on which the printing device may print. Suitable materials can include paper, plastic, metallic or semi-metallic foil, and paperboard. The material can be of any weight, thickness, or stiffness or rigidity as long as the material is sufficiently flexible to be moved mechanically through the printing device. The material can also be any size or shape that can be received by and mechanically fed through the printing device. Since printed forms can be spot or full page imprinted after the original printing, the sheet or sheets of material can also be any size or shape that can be received by and mechanically fed through a second or third printing device for subsequent imprinting.

The sheet of material forming the form can be 8.5 inches by 11 inches (letter size), 8.5 inches by 14 inches (legal size), 11 inches by 17 inches, 11 inches by 25.5 inches, 14 inches by 25.5 inches, or A4. Although the forms can be created in almost any size, to allow printing and imprinting easily on home and office desktop printing devices, in exemplary embodiments, the forms are of standard letter size or legal size. Large paper sizes can include perforations or lines of separation that can be used to separate the sheet of paper into two or more pieces that can be fed through the printing device. In this way, if a printing device capable of receiving an 11 inches by 17 inches sheet of paper is not available to the user, the form can include, for example, centerline perforations that can be used to separate the sheet of material into two letter size sheets, thereby allowing the user to print the form using the printing device that is available. In another embodiment, a form that is 11 inches by 25.5 inches in size can include perforations or lines of separation that permit the user to separate it into three letter size sheets for printing. In still another embodiment, a form that is 14 inches by 25.5 inches in size can include perforations or lines of separation that permit the user to separate it into three legal size sheets for printing.

Adhesives used in this invention can be pressure-sensitive or remoistenable. The forms can be printed or imprinted on a printing device as described herein. Finishing equipment can be used during manufacturing to vary the size or shape of each sheet or each detachable component included on each form in a package of forms. The forms can be collected in stacks of individual sheets, rolls of sheets, or accordion forms, e.g., fan-folded accordion forms, with or without sprocket holes or other elements that may or may not be needed, to feed the sheet through a printer, printing press, or other suitable printing device. Each sheet can include a plurality of identical forms, a plurality of different forms, or a plurality of forms some of which are identical and some of which are different.

The foldable portions can be detached from the sheet of material by tearing, ripping, or cutting along lines of separation between each detachable component or between each detachable component and a frame. The lines of separation can be fold lines, score lines, or printed dashed or dotted lines. In an exemplary embodiment, the lines of separation can be perforations. In a most exemplary embodiment, the lines of separation can be microperforations.

The printing device used with this invention can be any printing device capable of receiving and feeding the sheets of the printable form therethrough. For example, the printing device can be a home or office printer, such as, for example, a personal printer or desktop printer, or a larger stand-alone multifunction printer such as the types commonly found in offices. The printing device can also be an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a wide format plotter, a copy machine, a litho printer, or any other suitable type of printer. The printing device can be a standard printing press, a digital printing device or a variable printing device. Because the form is contemplated to be commonly used by consumers at home, the form and software used therewith may be optimized for use with home desktop printers. The printing device may be of a type capable of printing on only a single side of a sheet or on both sides of a sheet of the form. The form can also be imprinted with customizations on a digital printing press or any other type of printing device so that the user can print customizations thereon using a printing device that is available to the user.

Printing can occur in stages. In a first stage, information can be preprinted on a form during or after manufacturing. In a second stage, information can be printed on the form by a first user. In a third stage, additional information can be printed on the form by a second user. The second user may have a need to print additional information on the form after receiving it from the first user. For example, the first user may be a giftor while the second user may be a giftee. While activating the scrip using the website described herein, the giftee may be given the option to enter a contest. If the giftee wins the contest, the website may require, or the giftee may desire, that additional information (e.g., information related to a contest prize) be printed on the form during the third stage of printing.

The form is multi-purpose because it can be used to create a three-dimensional decorative object and to provide a scrip that can be delivered as a gift by a gift giver (or giftor) to a gift recipient (or giftee). The form encompasses multi-purpose forms having detachable components that can be customized by imprinting thereon using computer software and a printing device or manually with pen and ink to create user-customized products. Although references are made herein below to specific locations of perforations, scores, die cuts, kiss die cuts, separable pieces created, and sizes of each component, these labels and descriptions are for purposes of example and illustration only and are not to be construed or intended to construed as limitations. Forms of the invention may be manufactured to permit the folding and assembly of three-dimensional decorative objects in various different shapes so that the aforementioned elements may be located in different orientation or location depending on the form.

Because the sheets of the forms of this invention are two-dimensional, they can be packaged according to and in compliance with United States Postal Service Standard Flat Rate Specifications.

The form can be manufactured in commercial printing plants using printing presses and finishing equipment. The form can be manufactured in several ways depending on how the forms are going to be distributed and used. In one embodiment, the form can be completely printed on front, rear, or both surfaces if the form is made from a single ply or sheet. In another multi-ply embodiment of the form, only those surfaces of the form that will be visible when the form is assembled into a three-dimensional decorative object can be printed.

During manufacturing or via imprinting by the user, the scrip of the form may be printed with or without ink jet numbering so that it is ready for use by the end consumer. In another embodiment, the form can be partially printed with or without ink jet numbering, leaving areas to be imprinted by a service bureau and then to be finished via imprinting by the end user (e.g., a consumer). In still another embodiment having multiple plies, the form can include the interior sheets (i.e., interior plies and their surfaces) being printed with or without inkjet numbering, and exterior sheets (i.e., exterior plies and their surfaces) can be left blank for the end user to imprint and assemble. The form can also be manufactured, printed, and imprinted in any combination of the above steps. Therefore, use of the form can include personalization via printing, imprinting, and various assembly procedures.

When the form is manufactured on an in-line finishing printing press, the general manufacturing methodology can include the following steps. First, the form and its various components can be litho printed in full color. Second, the form can be personalized using high speed, high quality inkjet printing. Finally, the sheet or sheets of the form can be glued, die cut, folded, and sealed to create its foldable portions and other detachable components or elements as necessary. Spot glue and special glue patterns may be used to create pockets, cards, ornaments portions, and packaging pieces that are later used as components and elements of the form.

EXAMPLE

In one example of the form described herein below, it is assumed that the form is being held and viewed in a portrait orientation and is constructed from an 11 inches by 17 inches sheet of material. The form can be folded on a centerline score and the two 11 inch top and bottom edges of the sheet of material can be glued together, thereby creating an 8.5 inches by 11 inches form for printing, imprinting, and customization.

The form can include, for example, a centerline score that can be used to fold the sheet of material to permit the form to be properly oriented for printing, imprinting, and assembly. The form can further include several perforations that allow the foldable portions and any other detachable components to be separated for assembly. The form can include a virtual frame around its outer edge, which is designed to compensate for the margin areas that exist on most desktop printers. The virtual frame is programmed into software used to print the form to ensure that the user's text, artwork, photos, and other customizations are easily located and registered for printing and imprinting.

The methodology employed using the virtual frame combined with an 11 inches by 17 inches sheet of material with a center line folding score is used so as to allow the user to imprint and personalize six sides of a three-dimensional cube-shaped ornament that can be assembled and created using the form. The cube-shaped ornament can be about 3.25 inches by 3.25 inches by 3.25 inches—a size that would not be possible using an 8.5 inches by 11 inches piece of paper.

In another embodiment of the ornament form, the form can be created from a single 11 inches by 17 inches sheet of material that is folded in half widthwise and connected together at a first free end and a second free end with an adhesive. The 11 inches by 17 inches sheet of material folded on the centerline score into an 8.5 inches by 11 inches sheet can be fed through a printing device for printing or imprinting information and customizations.

Each ply of the ornament form may include a top edge, a bottom edge, a left side, a right side, a left border area, and a right border area.

In one embodiment, the form can include thirteen horizontal perforations, labeled herein as H1 through H13, which form generally straight lines extending horizontally across the surface of the form. The perforations can be generally parallel to the top and bottom edges of the form and to each other. However, two of the horizontal perforations can be oriented at an approximately 5° angle converging inward to each other. The resulting tab formed by the converging perforations can be folded along a score for insertion into the center of the cubic ornament adding stability to the finished assembled ornament.

Perforation H1 is about 3.1875 inches from the top edge of the paper. This perforation is located perpendicular to V1 and is about 4⅝ inches long and intersects at about a 90° angle to V6. When separated from the form by the paper top edge, V1, H1 and V6 a rectangular piece P1 is created. This piece later becomes a gift card or a gift card carrier. H1 becomes the left hand margin and runs the parallel to the left paper edge along the entire 11-inch long sheet length.

Perforation H2 is about 3.25 inches long and is located about 3.2 inches from the top edge and parallel to the top and bottom edges. Vertically, H2 is located about 1 inch from V1 on the left hand edge of the form. H2 when combined with V2 and V4, create an insertion tab of S2.

Perforation H3 is about 3.25 inches long and is located about 3.2 inches from the top edge and parallel to the top and bottom edges. Vertically, H3 is located along the center vertical score and about 4.25 inches from V11 and about 5.25 inches from V12 which after separation becomes the left hand side of the form. H3 when combined with V7 and V9, create an insertion tab of S4.

Perforation H4 is about 3.25 inches long and is located about 3.9375 inches from the top edge and parallel to the top and bottom edges. Vertically, H4 is located about 4.25 inches from V1 on the left hand edge of the form. H4 becomes a receiving slot edge of S3.

Perforation H5 is about 3⅛ inches long and located about 7.625 inches from the top edge of the paper. This perforation is located perpendicular to V11 and intersects V11 at about a 90° angle to V11. When separated from the form H5, V10 and V11 and SH5 create a tab for inserting.

Perforation H6 is about 3⅛ inches long and located about 7.625 inches from the top edge of the paper. This perforation is located perpendicular to V1 and intersects V5 at about a 90° angle to V5. When separated from the form H6, V5 and V8 and SH4 create a tab for inserting.

Perforation H7 is about 1 inch long and at about an upward 5° angle. This perforation is located at the point where SH5, V2 and SV4 intersect and V1. When separated from the form H7, V1, and H8 and folded on SV4 and printed with remoist glue create a tab for inserting into the slot created by V11 on the left hand side of S5.

Perforation H8 is about 1 inch long and at about an downward 5° angle. This perforation is located at the point where SH5, V3 and SV4 intersect and V1.

Perforation H9 is about 6.5 inches long and located about 2.5 inches from the bottom paper edge. H9 starts at V1 and ends where the perforation intersects with V6. This is a straight line perforation.

Perforation H10 is about 6.5 inches long and located about 2.75 inches from the bottom paper edge. H10 starts at V13 and ends where the perforation intersects with V1. This is a straight line perforation. When H10, H11, V1 and V13 are separated from the form the result is piece P3. Piece P3 also contains score SV5, and when folded effectively creates a four-page scrip which can include a check register for recording transactions using the scrip on an interior surface of the scrip.

Perforation H11 is about 6.5 inches long and located about 0.75 inch from the bottom paper edge. H11 starts at V13 and ends where the perforation intersects with V1. This is a straight line perforation. When H10, H11, V1 and V13 are separated from the form the result is piece P3. Piece P3 also contains score SV5, and when folded effectively creates a four-page scrip which can include a check register for recording transactions using the scrip on an interior surface of the scrip.

In one embodiment, the form can include thirteen vertical perforations, labeled herein as V1 through V13, which form generally straight lines extending vertically across the surface of the form. Two of the vertical perforations, V1 and V12, extend from a top portion to a bottom portion of the form. Perforations V1 and V12 run parallel to the right and left edges of the form and are parallel to one another. Perforations V1 and V12 are located approximately one inch from the left and right edges, respectively, of the form. Perforations V1 and V12 are each 11 inches long and extend the entire longitudinal length of the form.

Perforation V2 is about 0.5 inch long and extends about 3⅜ inches from and perpendicular to the top edge and parallel to perforation V1. When separated from the form, V2, H2, V4 and SH2 form a tab for insertion.

Perforation V3 is about 3.25 inches long, and perpendicular to the bottom and top edge and about 1 inch from and parallel to V1. At the end of the perforation closet to the bottom edge and about 0.5 inch from the bottom, about a 5° angle is added. The angle is inward facing to the right hand edge. When separated from the form V3 becomes the left hand edge of S1. The angled piece of V3, SH6, V5 and the bottom edge of the form will create a re-moist glued tab for insertion and to give the finished cube stability.

Perforation V4 is about 0.5 inch long and is at about a 5° outward angle facing V1. When V4, H2, V2 and SH2 are folded and separated the form a tab for insertion into H4.

Perforation V5 is about 3.25 inches long and perpendicular to the bottom and top edges. This perforation is parallel to and about 4.25 inches from V1 on the left hand margin. At the end of the perforation closet to the bottom edge and about 0.5 inch from the bottom, about a 5° angle is added. The angle is outward facing to the left hand edge. When separated from the form V5 becomes the right hand edge of S1. The angled piece of V3, SH6, V5 and the bottom edge of the form will create a re-moist glued tab for insertion and to give the finished cube stability.

Perforation V6 is about 3.75 inches long when measured from the bottom of the page. This perforation is perpendicular to the top and bottom edges. V6, V11, H9 and H10 create piece P1.

Perforation V7 is about 0.5 inch long and is at about a 5° inward angle (left) facing V1. When V7, H3 and V9 are separated from the form and then folded on SH3 a tab for insertion into H4 is created.

Perforation V8 is about 0.5 inch long and is at about a 5° inward angle (left) facing V5. When V8, H6 and V5 are separated from the form and then folded on SH4 and re-moist glue is applied, a tab for insertion into H4 and V5 is created.

Perforation V9 is 4 about inches long when measured from the top edge of the page. This perforation is perpendicular to the top edge and parallel to V11. The first about 0.5 inch of the perforation is at a 5° outward angle (right) facing V11. V9 creates slot along the left hand side of S1.

Perforation V10 is about 0.5 inch long and is at about a 5° outward angle (right) facing V11. When V10, H5 and V11 are separated from the form and then folded on SH5 and re-moist glue is applied, a tab for insertion into H7 is created.

Perforations V11 and V12 each form a perforation that runs along the entire right side of the form. Perforations V11 and V12 are located about 1 inch from the V12 and about 2 inches from the right hand paper edge. Whereas V1 and V12 are designed to remove the margin glue area and give stability to the form for printing, imprinting and personalization, V11 is integral to creating right hand margins for both pieces P1 and P2. At the end of V11 closest to the bottom of the form, the last about 0.5 inch of the perforation is at about a 5° inward angle (left) facing V9. When V9 and V11 are separated and combined with the bottom edge of the form and folded on SH1 a tab is formed that will go into the slot created from H4 on S3. This will be the last tab to be inserted and close the cube. Piece P4 which is the strip of paper between V11 and V12, is used to create a loop when connected together around S1.

Perforation V13 is about 3.75 inches long and starts at a point that is perpendicular to H4 and parallel to V1, V9, and V11 & V12. This perforation ends at the bottom of the page. H10 and H11 are perpendicular to V13. When V13, H10, H11 and V11 are separated from the form it creates piece P3. P3 when folded on SV5 create a four-page customizable gift card.

In one embodiment, the form can include six horizontal scores. The horizontal scores can be specifically positioned and oriented to permit easy folding for assembly. In some embodiments, the horizontal scores can be matched with vertical and horizontal perforations as described herein to create tabs which can be inserted into slots cut through the form. The tabs can be located so that foldable portions of the form connect together securely to strengthen the assembled ornament. The horizontal scores can be oriented parallel to the top and bottom edges of the form and to one another. When folded along a score, the tabs can be tucked into the center of the cube-shaped ornament adding stability to the finished assembled ornament. Each of the horizontal scores has been labeled SH1 through SH6 and is a straight line score.

Horizontal score SH1 is located about ⅝ inch from the bottom edge. This score is approximately 2.5 inches long measured on center of S1. Additionally, SH1 includes an about ⅜ inch horizontal cut on each end of the score. These cuts create a stop/holding mechanism that is useful for retaining the ornament in a closed configuration. Additionally, the cuts form a closing mechanism for piece P4. When P2 is separated from the form by the horizontal and vertical perforations, the combination of V11, V9 the bottom edge of the paper and SH1 form a tab that is connected horizontally to S1.

Horizontal score SH2 is located about 3⅞ inches from the bottom edge. SH2 starts at V11 and goes about 6.5 inches until it meets SV1. SH2 becomes the horizontal fold between S1 and S5. Further when SH2 is combined with V9, H3 and V7 an insertion tab is created on the bottom of S4.

Horizontal score SH3 is located about ⅜ inches from the bottom edge. SH3 starts the connection of V4, SV3 and H4. This score is about 3.25 inches long and ends at the connection of SV4 and V2. V4, H2 and V2 and folding on SH3 create an insertion tab on the bottom edge of S2.

Horizontal score SH4 is located about 3⅞ inches from the top edge. SH4 starts at V11 and is about 3.25 inches long until it intersects with V10, H7 and SV2. V11, H5 and V10 when folded on SH4 create an insertion tab with re-moist glue on the top edge of S5.

Horizontal score SH5 is located about 3⅞ inches from the top edge. SH5 starts at SV1 and is about 6.5 inches long until it intersects with V3 and SV4. The first half of SH5 with V8, H6 and V5 when folded on SH4 create an insertion tab with re-moist glue on the top edge of S3. The second half of SH5 creates a fold line between S1 and S2.

Horizontal score SH6 is located about ⅝ inch from the top paper edge. V5, V3 and the top paper edge, when folded on SH5 create an insertion tab with re-moist glue on the top edge of S1.

The form can include five vertical scores. The vertical scores can be specifically positioned and oriented to permit easy folding for assembly. In some embodiments, the horizontal scores can be matched with the vertical and horizontal perforations to create tabs which are inserted into slots created in the form. The tabs can be located so that foldable portions of the form connect together securely to strengthen the assembled ornament. The vertical scores can be oriented parallel to the left and right edges of the form and to one another. When folded along a score, the tabs can be tucked into the center of the cube-shaped ornament adding stability to the finished assembled ornament. Each of the vertical scores has been labeled SV1 through SV5 and is a straight line score.

Vertical score SV1 extends down the entire longitudinal axis of the form and is used to fold the form into an 8.5 inches×11 inches size for printing, imprinting and customization.

Vertical score SV2 is about 4.25 inches from V12 and about 3.5 inches from V11. SV2 starts 3⅞ inches from the top paper edge at the point where V10, SH4 and H7 intersect. SV2 is 3.25 inches long and creates a fold between the right side of S5 and the left side of S4.

Vertical score SV3 is about 4.25 inches from V1. SV3 starts about 3⅞ inches from the top paper edge at the point where V5 and SH5 intersect. SV3 is about 3.25 inches long and creates a fold between the right side of S3 and the left side of S2.

Vertical score SV4 is about 1 inch from V1. SV4 starts about 3⅞ inches from the top paper edge at the point where V3 and SH5 intersect. H8, V1, H7 and SV4 when folded on SV4 create an insertion tab with re-moist glue on the right hand edge of S2.

Vertical score SV5 is located about 3.75 inches from the bottom edge of the paper. The score is about 2 inches long. It is also located about 3.25 inches from V1. The about 2 inches length of SV5 extends between H10 and H11.

This form can feature two types of glue. Re-moist glue can be applied to the form for the purpose of having the user moisten the glue during the assembly process. The remoist glue areas when used properly will fold along score lines, will be contained on the inside of the cube-shaped ornament so as not to visible from the outside, and will add stability to the finished product.

Fugitive glue can also be applied during manufacturing. The purpose of the fugitive glue is to hold the paper together when it is folded together along vertical score SV1. The fugitive glue is used to make the final form for delivery to consumers into an 8.5 inches by 11 inches form for printing and imprinting.

After imprinting by a user, the fugitive glue can be removed when the frame or border area is removed by separating vertical perforations V1 and V12. After separating the border strips and opening the form on vertical score SV1, the form is transformed into a printed piece that is 11 inches by 17 inches that has been imprinted on a standard desktop printer.

When piece P2 (i.e., the ornament portion) is separated from the form, the ornament portion is now ready for assembly into the cube-shaped ornament.

The form can contain four rectangular spaces that are covered with re-moist glue. The glue areas are designed so that the re-moist glue only needs to be applied on one side of the form which is a manufacturing consideration. The re-moist glue areas are strategically placed. A re-moist glue area on the tab created between V10, V11, H5 and SH4. A second re-moist glue area on the tab created from V5, V8, H6 and SH5. A third re-moist glue area on the tab created from V3, V5, SH6 and the top edge of the form. The fourth re-moist glue area on the tab created from V1, H8, H9 and SV4.

The four areas containing the re-moist glue are basically the same design and would appear to the user as foldable insertable tabs that would become obvious during assembly. The re-moist glue areas will have a slight tint added to the glue formulation so that these areas will be easily seen.

The form can feature four quarter circular die cuts and three straight line die cuts. The four quarter circular die cuts form the four corners of a rectangle, each with curved sides facing inward toward each other.

The four die cuts can be placed into specific locations so that they can be used for different purposes. For example, a space between two of the quarter circular die cuts can be designed to receive and hold a plastic CR-80 gift card. In another example, a space between the other two quarter circular die cuts can be designed and constructed to receive and hold a paper gift card.

All four of the quarter circular die cuts can be located towards respective four corners of piece P1. P1 is formed by separating perforations V6, V11, H1 and the top edge of the form. Piece P1 is designed to be a gift card carrier that can be easily contained within the closed and finished cube-shaped ornament.

The four straight line die cuts can be located about 0.5 inch from the top and bottom edges of the form and can run parallel to those edges. Each of the straight line die cuts has been labeled D1 through D4 and is a straight line score.

Straight line die cut D1 is located about 0.5 inch from the top edge, and starts a point perpendicular to perforation V12. This die cut measures about 0.5 inch long.

Straight line die cut D2 is located about 0.5 inch from the bottom edge of the page. This die cut is perpendicular to and bisects V11. On the left hand side of V11 the die cut extends about 0.5 inch; while on the right hand side of V11 the die cut extends about ⅜ inch and stops where horizontal score SH1 starts.

Straight line die cut D3 is located about 2.5 inches distant in a direct line and forms the other end of horizontal score SH1. At that point the die cut is about ⅜ inches long and terminates at V9.

Straight line die cut D4 is located at about a 45° angle between V1 and H11 and will end as a corner cut in P3. The top point intersects V1 about 1.5 inches above the bottom edge, and intersects H11 about 0.75 inch from the intersection of H11 and V1. D4 will be about 0.5 inch end to end.

The straight line die cuts have specific uses. D1 and D2 create a method to create a loop from P4. The loop is personalized and used to hang the finished ornament on a Christmas tree.

D2 and D3 which are at either end of horizontal score SH1, later form a point of resistance for the final tab to be inserted during assembly. The resistance works to make it harder to open the finished cube and keep the loop from falling out of the cube.

Four pieces can be created when all of the perforations are separated from the form. All four pieces will be printed and/or imprinted as a flat 8.5 inches by 11 inches form on a desktop printer by the consumer. Each of the four pieces has a specific use. The four pieces are numbered P1 through P4.

Piece P1 is a rectangular piece that includes four quarter circular die cuts that forms a carrier for the scrip. The piece is about 3 inches high by 4⅝ inches wide and is created by separating perforations V6, V11, H1 and the top edge of the form.

Piece P2 is the ornament portion of the form. P2 contains the six 3.25 inches by 3.25 inches sides of the cube-shaped ornament. The sides are labeled S1 through S6 for identification. The sides are connected and delineated by vertical and horizontal scores. By following the assembly instructions, folding on the scores, and using the re-moist glue, the cube-shaped ornament can be quickly and easily formed. The last side to be folded and the tab inserted is S6. The insertion tab on S6 is the tab that contains die cuts D2 and D3. When assembled these die cuts will form a resistance to the other edges, which adds stability to the completed cube and allows the loop tree hanger to suspend the ornament from a Christmas tree or other object.

Piece P3 is a rectangular piece with a center vertical score SV5. The piece is about 2 inches high by 6.5 inches wide and created by separating perforations V1, V13, H10 and H11. When the rectangle is folded on vertical score SV5 the piece forms a four-page scrip which can include a check register for recording transactions using the scrip on an interior surface of the scrip.

Piece P3 also features die cut D4, which is an about 0.5 inch corner cut at about a 45° angle between V1 and H11. The corner cut allows the inside of the folded gift card to be easily accessed.

Piece P4 is a rectangle with die cuts D1 and D2. The piece is about 11 inches high by 1 inch wide and created by separating perforations V11, V12 and the top and bottom edges of the form. D1 is about 0.5 inch from the top edge and D2 is about 0.5 inch from the bottom edge. For assembly, die cuts D1 and D2 are interlocked forming a loop.

Assembly

To assemble the two-dimensional form into a three-dimensional cube-shaped ornament, the following steps can be used. Customizations can be printed onto one or more surfaces of the flat sheet of material using a desktop printer. The border area around the form's outer edges can be removed by tearing at perforations V1 and V12. Then, the form can be opened into its 11 inches by 17 inches configuration along vertical score SV1. Next, all of the perforations yielding the four separate pieces P1 through P4 can be torn and separated. Piece P2 can be folded at SV2, SV1, SV3 and SV4 to create four sides of the cube-shaped ornament. The tab along SV4 contains re-moist glue to seal so that the ornament retains this cubic shape. Side S1 is folded along SH5 and the tab adjacent to SH6 is moistened as the insertion tabs adjacent SH5 on S3 and SH4 on S5. These tabs are then inserted into the center of the cube and glued to the sides to form a solid base. P3, the gift card or other scrip, is folded in half at score SV5, and is placed in the top left and bottom right quarter circular die cuts on P1, the gift card carrier. P1 and P3 are placed inside the assembled cube-shaped ornament. P4, the loop strip, is connected together using die cuts D1 and D2 to construct a loop. The loop is placed around S6 of the cube-shaped ornament. Side S6 is folded down at score SH2 and the tab adjacent to SH1 is folded into the cube-shaped ornament creating a closed six-sided cube-shaped ornament with a loop for hanging on a Christmas tree.

Methods

The invention also features methods that can be used to create a three-dimensional decorative object from a two-dimensional form, where the three-dimensional decorative object can be used for receiving and storing a gift item. In a first step of the method, a two-dimensional form (as described herein) can be provided. In one embodiment of the method, the two-dimensional form can feature a sheet having at least one customizable space and at least six foldable portions. The six foldable portions can include a top portion, a bottom portion, a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a third wall portion, and a fourth wall portion. The top portion can include a first edge that is connected to a first edge of the first wall portion at a first fold line. The first wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the second wall portion at a second fold line. The second wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the third wall portion at a third fold line. The third wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the fourth wall portion at a fourth fold line. The fourth wall portion can include a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the bottom portion at a fifth fold line, and wherein the top portion comprises a lid.

In a second step of the method, at least one customization can be imprinted by a user onto the at least one customizable space using a printing device or manual writing utensil. In a third step of the method, the foldable portions can be folded at their respective fold lines to assemble a three-dimensional decorative object that includes a concealed interior space.

The method can further include the step of providing the two-dimensional form further including a loop strip that is detachable from the sheet. The loop strip can include a first end and a second end, and the loop strip can be flexibly bendable to form a generally circular loop. The method can also include the step of connecting the circular loop to an outer surface of the top portion to permit the ornament to be hung and suspended from a tree or other object.

The method can also include the steps of providing the two-dimensional form with a scrip portion, imprinting personal information onto the scrip portion, detaching the scrip portion from the sheet to create a scrip, and inserting the scrip into the interior space for concealment and storage.

The invention also feature methods that can be used for printing onto an oversized sheet of material. In a first step, an oversized sheet of material can be folded in a first direction at a centerline to create a first folded portion and a second folded portion, wherein the first folded portion and second folded portion of the first side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face away from one another exteriorly. The oversized sheet of material can have dimensions that exceed dimensions of a desktop printer's paper intake slot in width. In a second step, the first folded portion of the first side can be placed in contact with the second folded portion of the first side by pressing the at least first corner onto a first opposing corner of the first side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the first direction. In a third step, the folded oversized sheet of material can be placed into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer. In a fourth step, the desktop printer can be used to print onto at least the first folded portion of the second side of the folded oversized sheet of material.

In another embodiment, the method for printing onto an oversized sheet of material can also include the step of folding the oversized sheet of material in a second direction at the centerline so that the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the face side face away from one another exteriorly. Then, the first folded portion of the second side can be placed in contact with the second folded portion of the second side by pressing the at least first corner of the second side onto a first opposing corner of the second side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the second direction. Next, the folded oversized sheet of material can be placed into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer. Finally, the desktop printer can be used to print onto at least a first folded portion of the first side of the folded oversized sheet of material.

In one embodiment, the method for printing onto an oversized sheet of material can also include the step of printing both the first folded portion and second folded portion of the first side. In another embodiment, the method for printing onto an oversized sheet of material can include the step of printing both the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side.

The oversized sheet of material can be sized 11 inches by 17 inches. When folded for printing, the oversized sheet of material can be 8.5 inches by 11 inches in its folded configuration so as to be capable of passing into the paper intake slot and through the desktop printer for printing. The centerline can be a printed line, a score line, a line of perforations, or a combination of these elements. The centerline can be created on at least one of the first side or the second of the oversized sheet of material.

The oversized sheet of material can be folded at the centerline to permit proper alignment and registering of the form by software for printing oversized forms accessible on a computer to which the desktop printer is communicatively connected.

In one embodiment, before placing the oversized sheet of material into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer, the method for printing onto an oversized sheet of material can also include the step of adding an adhesive to the at least first corner of the first side of the oversized sheet of material. Next, the first folded portion of the first side can be connected to the second folded portion of the first side by pressing the adhesive on the at least first corner onto a first opposing corner of the first side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the first direction.

In one embodiment, after printing onto at least the first folded portion of the second side of the folded oversized sheet of material using the desktop printer, the method for printing onto an oversized sheet of material can also include the step of removing the adhesive from the at least first corner of the first side after printing of the at least first folded portion of the second side is complete. Next, the adhesive can be attached to at least a first corner of the second side of the oversized sheet of material. Then, the oversized sheet of material can be folded in a second direction at a centerline to create a first folded portion and a second folded portion, wherein the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the face side face away from one another exteriorly. Next, the first folded portion of the second side can be connected to the second folded portion of the second side by pressing the adhesive on the at least first corner of the second side onto a first opposing corner of the second side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the second direction. The folded oversized sheet of material can then be placed into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer, which is used to print onto at least a first folded portion of the first side of the folded oversized sheet of material.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A form for assembling into a three-dimensional decorative object, the form comprising: a two-dimensional sheet of material comprising assembly guides printed thereon; wherein the sheet comprises an ornament portion comprising at least six foldable portions, and wherein the ornament portion comprises at least one customizable space, and wherein the ornament portion is foldable into a three-dimensional decorative object.
 2. The form of claim 1, wherein each of the foldable portions is connected to at least one other foldable portion at a fold line.
 3. The form of claim 1, wherein the ornament portion is detachable from the sheet at a plurality of lines of separation.
 4. The form of claim 1, wherein the at least six foldable portions comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a third wall portion, and a fourth wall portion; wherein the top portion comprises a first edge that is connected to a first edge of the first wall portion at a first fold line, wherein the first wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the second wall portion at a second fold line, wherein the second wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the third wall portion at a third fold line, wherein the third wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the fourth wall portion at a fourth fold line, and wherein the fourth wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the bottom portion at a fifth fold line.
 5. The form of claim 4, wherein the top portion comprises a second edge to which a first attachment flap is connected, wherein the first wall portion comprises a third edge to which a second attachment flap is connected, wherein the second wall portion comprises a third edge to which a third attachment flap is connected, and wherein the fourth wall portion comprises a third edge to which a fourth attachment flap is connected.
 6. The form of claim 5, wherein each foldable portion is folded approximately at a right angle in relation to the foldable portion connected adjacent thereto at a fold line, thereby forming the three-dimensional decorative object.
 7. The form of claim 6, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth attachment flaps comprise adhesive sections that secure each attachment flap to the respective foldable portion which it contacts when the foldable portions are folded to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object.
 8. The form of claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional decorative object comprises an interior space that is defined by the assembled foldable portions.
 9. The form of claim 6, wherein the second, third, and fourth attachment flaps comprise adhesive sections that secure said attachment flaps to the respective foldable portion each contacts when the foldable portions are folded to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object; wherein the top portion and first attachment flap comprise a lid for closing an interior space defined by the bottom portion, first wall portion, second wall portion, third wall portion, and fourth wall portion.
 10. The form of claim 8, wherein the form further comprises a scrip portion that is sized and shaped to be inserted into and retained within the interior space when the three-dimensional decorative object is oriented in a closed configuration.
 11. The form of claim 10, wherein the scrip comprises a gift card.
 12. The form of claim 1, wherein the sheet further comprises a loop strip that is detachable from the sheet; wherein the loop strip comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the loop strip is flexibly bendable to form a generally circular loop.
 13. The form of claim 12, wherein the first end of the loop strip comprises a first die cut on a first longitudinal edge of the loop strip and wherein the second end of the loop strip comprises a second die cut on a second longitudinal edge of the loop strip; wherein the first end and second end of the loop strip are connected together to create the circular loop by inserting the first end into the second die cut and inserting the second end into the first die cut.
 14. The form of claim 13, wherein the circular loop is connectable to an outer surface of the top portion.
 15. The form of claim 1, wherein the form is foldable to assemble the three-dimensional decorative object in the shape of a parallelepiped.
 16. The form of claim 1, wherein the form is printable and imprintable by a printing device or manual writing tool.
 17. The form of claim 1, wherein a user can imprint at least one customization in the at least one customizable space.
 18. A method for creating a three-dimensional decorative object from a two-dimensional form for receiving and storing a gift item, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a two-dimensional form comprising a sheet comprising at least one customizable space and at least six foldable portions comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a third wall portion, and a fourth wall portion, wherein the top portion comprises a first edge that is connected to a first edge of the first wall portion at a first fold line, wherein the first wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the second wall portion at a second fold line, wherein the second wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the third wall portion at a third fold line, wherein the third wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the fourth wall portion at a fourth fold line, and wherein the fourth wall portion comprises a second edge that is connected to a first edge of the bottom portion at a fifth fold line, and wherein the top portion comprises a lid; (b) imprinting at least one customization onto the at least one customizable space using a printing device or manual writing utensil; and (c) folding the foldable portions at their respective fold lines to assemble a three-dimensional decorative object comprising a concealed interior space.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: (d) providing the two-dimensional form further comprising a loop strip that is detachable from the sheet, wherein the loop strip comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the loop strip is flexibly bendable to form a generally circular loop; and (e) connecting the circular loop to an outer surface of the top portion to permit the ornament to be hung and suspended from a tree or other object.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: (f) providing the two-dimensional form further comprising a scrip portion; (g) imprinting personal information onto the scrip portion; (h) detaching the scrip portion from the sheet to create a scrip; and (i) inserting the scrip into the interior space for concealment and storage.
 21. A method for printing onto an oversized sheet of material, the method comprising the steps of: (a) folding an oversized sheet of material in a first direction at a centerline to create a first folded portion and a second folded portion, wherein the first folded portion and second folded portion of the first side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face away from one another exteriorly, and wherein the oversized sheet of material comprises dimensions that exceed dimensions of a desktop printer's paper intake slot in width; (b) placing the first folded portion of the first side in contact with the second folded portion of the first side by pressing the at least first corner onto a first opposing corner of the first side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the first direction; (c) placing the folded oversized sheet of material into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer; and (d) printing onto at least a first folded portion of a second side of the folded oversized sheet of material using the desktop printer.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises the following steps: (e) folding the oversized sheet of material in a second direction at the centerline so that the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the face side face away from one another exteriorly; (f) placing the first folded portion of the second side in contact with the second folded portion of the second side by pressing the at least first corner of the second side onto a first opposing corner of the second side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the second direction; (g) placing the folded oversized sheet of material into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer; and (h) printing onto at least a first folded portion of the first side of the folded oversized sheet of material using the desktop printer.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises at least one of the following steps: (i) printing both the first folded portion and second folded portion of the first side; and (j) printing both the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the oversized sheet of material is sized 11 inches by 17 inches, and wherein, when folded for printing, the oversized sheet of material is 8.5 inches by 11 inches in its folded configuration so as to be capable of passing into the paper intake slot and through the desktop printer for printing.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein the centerline comprises at least one line selected from the group consisting of: a printed line, a score line, and a line of perforations, wherein the centerline is created on at least one of the first side or the second of the oversized sheet of material.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the oversized sheet of material is folded at the centerline to permit proper alignment and registering of the form by software for printing oversized forms accessible on a computer to which the desktop printer is communicatively connected.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein, before step (c), the method further comprises the steps of: (k) adding an adhesive to the at least first corner of the first side of the oversized sheet of material; and (l) connecting the first folded portion of the first side to the second folded portion of the first side by pressing the adhesive on the at least first corner onto a first opposing corner of the first side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the first direction.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein, after step (d), the method further comprises the steps of: (m) removing the adhesive from the at least first corner of the first side after printing of the at least first folded portion of the second side is complete; (n) attaching the adhesive to at least a first corner of the second side of the oversized sheet of material; (o) folding the oversized sheet of material in a second direction at a centerline to create a first folded portion and a second folded portion, wherein the first folded portion and second folded portion of the second side face one another interiorly and the first folded portion and second folded portion of the face side face away from one another exteriorly; (p) connecting the first folded portion of the second side to the second folded portion of the second side by pressing the adhesive on the at least first corner of the second side onto a first opposing corner of the second side that corresponds to the first corner in opposing orientation when the oversized sheet of material is folded in the second direction; (q) placing the folded oversized sheet of material into the paper intake slot of the desktop printer; and (r) printing onto at least a first folded portion of the first side of the folded oversized sheet of material using the desktop printer. 